The important work being undertaken to enhance the long-term ecological health of the Alfred Cove Nature Reserve will continue thanks to a funding boost from the State Government, Alfred Cove MLA Dr Janet Woollard said today.

“A grant of $29,920 has been awarded to the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group Inc. (SERAG) to foster the resilience of Alfred Cove A-Class Reserve to environmental and community pressures,” Dr Woollard said.

“The funding comes from the third round of the State Government’s four-year, $6million Environmental Community Grants program.

“This funding recognises the vital contribution made to environmental and conservation programs by community groups such as SERAG.”

SERAG Chairperson Catherine O’Neill said that the Grant would greatly assist in the removal of the many weeds species that are choking the Estuary foreshore, and their replacement with indigenous sedges, shrubs and trees.

“The natural values of the Alfred Cove A-Class Reserve provide enormous pleasure to the wider community, and we are fortunate to have received such strong support for our work from the State Government,” Ms O’Neill said.

Dr Woollard said she was pleased that SERAG had been successful in its application because without the wonderful work done by this dedicated group of people, the task of conserving the Reserve would be much more difficult.

“The Reserves have been set aside for the benefit of local wildlife, providing habitat for many species of waterbirds and land birds in particular,” she said.

“They serve as sanctuaries for native wildlife, including river dolphin and a wide range of local and migratory birds.

“It is just so important that the long-term health of these three unique areas in the Swan River Estuary are preserved.”